NEW York-based cloud technology and business management solution firm ShopKeep, which has its European headquarters in Belfast, has raised $60 million to expand its operations across the rest of the UK.
The software firm, which makes technology which allows iPads to be used as cash registers in shops and restaurants, opened at operation at Ormeau Avenue 18 months ago employing 35 people and ploughing £1.3 million in salaries into the city's economy.
And with its technology now being used by more than 18,000 retailers, it has revealed a cash injection from investor Activant Capital to aggressively grow its overall US customer base, strengthen industry partnerships and launch international operations, starting with the UK this month.
ShopKeep has raised close to $100m in funding to date, and the latest round will further solidify its leading position as the go-to point-of-sale and payment technology provider for independent businesses.
Firms from ice cream parlours to garden centres currently use the ShopKeep point-of-sale product in the US, Canada and now Europe.
Retailers use its app to ring up sales, take credit cards and print receipts. It enables the storing and analysis of data.
Invest NI stumped up £245,000 towards the company's near £3 million investment in Belfast in on Valentine's Day 2014.
At the time ShopKeep founder Jason Richelson said he had "fallen in love with Belfast" and planned to use the city as the company's launch pad into Europe.
